Vamonos PR - Hurricane Relief Fund

Many of you have asked how to directly help the people of Puerto Rico since Hurricanes Maria and Irma severely impacted our island this month.  

This fund is fully managed by Vamonos. 100% of proceeds from this account go directly to hurricane relief efforts for our sponsored service locations  such as orphanages/foster homes, rural schools, nursing homes, and soup kitchens as well as home repairs (more detailed below).
  
Vamonos' staff will buy, deliver, serve, and install supplies. Nothing will be handled by any third-party. We don't play around - your funds become supplies delivered personally by Vamonos.  

Expect soon some photos and stories of the lives that were helped and the places rebuilt.  Watch for updates on our Vamonos Tours Facebook page.

***MORE DETAILS below***

Presently, approximately 75% of Puerto Rico is without electrical power and only about 50% of the island has water. 

Our goal is to reach communities that are inaccesible or low priority for local authorities. By reaching our $20,000 mark, we plan to support these locations by purchasing and delivering supplies.  

LOCATIONS & OUTREACH PLAN (You may recognize these places!)

1. Barrio La Perla - Old San Juan
This is where the video "Despacito" was mostly filmed. This Old San Juan historic community is one of the poorest and oldest in the city. Approximately 100 families lost their roofs in the storm and had to evacuate. Help, food, and water are urgently needed. For the last three years, Vamonos has been serving here by painting, developing their organic garden, and assisting with their local Head Start and plaza.
Goal: $2,000

2. Rural Elementary Schools - In Lajas and Guanica
We've worked directly with rural local schools in this southwestern region for over 15 years. We provide cultural exchange events, service-learning activities, and workshops. We also bring school supplies and work on their facilities. After Hurricane Maria, schools are in need of supplies and help with their damaged facilities.
Goal: $1,000

3. Hogar San Miguel - Ponce
Boys Orphanage / Foster Home located in Ponce. There are many needs for their 14-16 kids ages 5 -18. Link: SanMiguel
Goal: $3,000

4. Centro San Francisco - Ponce
K-12 school located in the Barrio Tamarindo in Ponce; one of the poorest schools in the island. There are about 160 students in total. The school was severely affected and there are many needs.
Goal: $5,000

5. Hogar Manuel Fernandez Juncos - San Juan
One of the largest boys' orphanage/foster home located in San Juan. Home of 20-25 kids from ages 5 - 18; Post hurricane photos on their facebook page: Casa de Niños Manuel Fernández Juncos
Goal: $1,000

6. Centro Esperanza - Loiza
Underprivileged K-3 Montessori school and community center; they provide afternoon music school, counseling and psychological assistance to the community.
Link: Centro Esperanza Loiza
Goal: $2,000

7.  El Comedor de la Kennedy - This is an "on the road" soup kitchen that benefits local underprivileged children in the San Juan metropolitan area. After the hurricane, their needs for feeding children is unprecedented. 
Goal: $500

8. Other areas of greatest need - There are many more locations we are in contact with in rural mountainous region of the island and will keep our eyes open for the urgent and pressing needs.  
Goal: $5,500

***Ways to contribute:

1.  This GOFUNDME account - it's the best and most direct way to contribute.

2.  Check to Vamonos Tours - use memo: Vamonos PR Hurricane Relief Fund.
          - Checks can be mailed to:
             Vamonos Tours
             PO BOX 7842
             Wilmington, DE 19803 USA

3.  Tour donations - If you are coming to Puerto Rico on tour and would like to bring donations, ask our staff for a list of specific and practical donations. 

THANK YOU again for your generosity and for standing with us during this difficult time.